The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Referee got it wrong, says Tangerines boss
United manager Ray McKinnon felt referee Don Robertson got the big decision wrong as Hibs won 1-0 at Tannadice, writes Ian Roache.
The Tangerines had Lewis Toshney sent off after 31 minutes due to two bookings for two separate challenges on Andrew Shinnie.
However, McKinnon felt his player was harshly dealt with for the one that ended up with him marching off the park.
Asked if the sending-off changed the Championship clash, McKinnon said: “Yeah, I do. I think it had a major impact on the game.
“It is difficult enough playing with 11 men against Hibs and it is even more difficult with 10.
“So I was really disappointed with that decision but it’s happened now.
“From our angle, he has pulled out of it and not touched him.
“So we are disappointed with the ref’s decision.
“I thought there were unbelievable inconsistencies in his decision-making tonight.
“You can talk about it but I’ll just talk about that one decision and I think, in my opinion, he got it wrong.
“When that happens, instantly you need to change your shape and are on the back foot.
“The game changed – simple as that.”
With Hibs now 10 ahead of thirdplaced United, it looks like game over as far as the title bid is concerned.
However, McKinnon added: “Moving forward, there are 10 games left and we will try to win every one.
“To be fair, this makes it difficult but if we win (against St Mirren) next Wednesday it brings it back to the same points difference it was before tonight.
“So we just need to win as many games as we can and see where we end up.
“The players gave everything right until the end of the game.
“There is a lot of credit there for their endeavour and passion.”
Hibees boss Neil Lennon criticised his own red-card villain Jason Cummings, who was sent packing on 76 minutes after punching the ball into United’s net.
Mind you, he did praise Cummings for scoring the winner six minutes before half-time.
“Jason was stupid and he knows that,” said Lennon.
“He is feeling remorseful but he’s won me the game.
“He has a gallusness about him and he has to learn because he’s let his mates down for the last 15 minutes while we were in complete control of the game.
“He is a young lad and he has to learn but he’s a great talent. He’s a big game player.”
Lennon was more pleased with the overall performance.
He said: “I thought we were outstanding and the scoreline flattered Dundee United.
“We have come here where United were unbeaten and it speaks volumes – it was magnificent.”